Second Airport For Sydney A Must, Says Qantas Chief

By Neville D'Cruz MELBOURNE, April 13 (Bernama) -- Qantas Airways Chief Executive Alan Joyce says Sydney absolutely needs a second major airport. "We do believe there's a need for a second Sydney airport. We fully support the Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese's move on this," he told reporters Friday. Joyce said Sydney was an important air transport hub for Australia and Qantas. His comments come amid a fresh debate about whether a second airport should be built within the Sydney basin to take pressure off the existing airport at Mascot. The federal government favours a site at Wilton, south-west of the city, but needs the New South Wales Government's support before any work can begin. New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell wants to expand Canberra's airport and build a high-speed rail service between Sydney and the national capital. His government is believed to be considering rezoning about 2,000 hectares of land at Wilton to build more than 25,000 houses. A report commissioned by Albanese identified Wilton as a preferred location for an airport. -- BERNAMA